Two new police cruisers to join Arnaudville force

The City of Mandeville has donated two used police cruisers to the Town of Arnaudville. Standing left are Mandeville Mayor Donald Villere, Arnaudville Chief of Police Eddy LeCompte and Mandeville Chief of Police Rick Richard who is handing over the keys of the cars to their new owner.
(Photo:
Submitted photo
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The vehicles were being retired by the Mandeville Police Department and Arnaudville Chief Eddy LeCompte said he got them at a good price — free.

“One has 95,000 miles on it and other has 100,000, but for a police cruiser that’s not bad and it’s great for us,” LeCompte said.

He said the cars come complete with lights, sirens, the cage in the back other equipment. “That alone will save us about $4,000,” LeCompte said.

He picked up the cars this past week and said they should soon be on duty. All they need are new decals.

“That will triple our fleet,” said LeCompte, pointing out the department only has one vehicle for its four patrol officers at the moment.

He said the gift came about after he and the Mandeville chief were both attending the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police earlier this summer.

LeCompte said he was talking with some of his fellow chiefs about some of the needs of his department and the upgrades he was seeking, which included upgrading his police units.

“Mandeville Chief of Police Rick Richard took an interest and offered us two Crowne Vics that were slated for retirement,” LeCompte said.

“I asked him how much they would cost and he said “free, you just have to pick them up.’ I jumped the chance,” said LeCompte, who drove to Mandeville with a couple of his officers to pick them up.

“I can’t thank him enough. This is very fortunate for us,” LeCompte said.

Although he is relatively new to the Arnaudville Police Department, LeCompte is a veteran officer with decades of experience with other forces. He said this level of cooperation is typical of law enforcement professionals.

“I believe that law enforcement agencies across the state have opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas and provide resources to each other,” LeCompte said.

“Small town departments often suffer from a lack of funds for some of the most essential items, and networking with colleagues in other agencies and municipalities can yield benefits that would otherwise require thousands of dollars from the town’s budget,” LeCompte said.

“This generous donation is proof that when there is an attitude and philosophy of working together and sharing, the sky can be the limit. We are very grateful to Mandeville for filling a need, regardless of the location,” LeCompte said.

On another matter, he said there will be a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday in the town’s civic center to discuss creating a Neighborhood Watch program for the entire town.

“Officials with the sheriff’s office will be there to explain the program and help us get started,” said LeCompte who invited everyone interested in better law enforcement in their community to attend.